Three of us, baja1d (with wife and kiddos), cajunrock, and me (with wife and kiddos) motored up to Spring Creek today. Despite a steady rain and soupy fog on the way up the hill, the skies were clear when we met at the Downieville Starbucks. Because none of us had ever been on this trail, and the prospect of a rainy, muddy mess was still a possibility, we decided to wait to air down until we had a chance to scope out the trail. Just a short distance in, it was clear it was going to be a great day for wheeling, so we pulled over, aired down, and headed up to the first obstacle. Travis (baja1d) was our fearless leader in the unstoppable Grean Bean. He hit the magic dial and just cruised the first obstacle like it wasn't there.

I took the line to the right in the Taco, since the absence of a front locker would have made Travis's line a little too sporty for me. The Taco walked up without any trouble George (cajunrock) took a cool line in the locked 40, and got a little tippy on the first go. He straightened out and fired right up on the second attempt, making it look really easy.

Obstacle 3 was an eye-opener. I am pretty new to this, and had some doubts the little red truck would make it. Travis worked his way up the boulders at the start, and just kept on going, picking a great line. That meant it was our turn. I was really surprised how well the truck did at making up for my lack of driving ability. Good spotters sure helped, and we got up with no issues, just testing the skids and sliders a few times. Once again, George and his 40 made it look like a little gravel pile. He picked a great line and didn't even pause.

We had great weather, and decided to head to the rock garden and stop for lunch later. It started snowing a little, and the garden had some muddy spots from lingering snow fields, but we all took turns spotting with Travis leading the way. A few bumps and bruises to the armor, and we all made it to a good lunch spot. Just as we were packing everything back into the trucks, it started to snow hard - with some lightning and thunder mixed in. It accumulated quickly, but we were through the hardest obstacles in the rock garden and didn't have much trouble making it to the top despite the snow.

We took a left turn at the end of Spring Creek to take the Spring Gulch Trail to Idaho Springs. We ended up on the Ute Creek spur and had some great view and lots of aspens leafing out on the way down. All told, it was a great time. Nobody broke or had any real damage, the kids had a lot of fun, and we had a few beers at Tommyknockers. Not a bad day driving around in the mountains.

success is when everyone works together to make it look easy! Already got the next wheeling trip planned..stay tuned. I swear the 40 drove itself?!?!

cool breeze

05-20-2012 09:35 PM

Saw you guys as we were trying to find a spot to camp. Almost stopped but the wifey was driving and it was getting late in the day already. You guys must have been getting done by then. Wish we would have been in the cruiser to join you.

subzali

05-21-2012 09:39 AM

Nice trip report guys! I need to attempt that first obstacle one of these days...